218 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



should be placed in a cold pit or frame, where they can be screened 

 from the direct rays of the sun in the event of bright hot weather 

 setting in, and the atmosphere should be kept moist by sprinkling 

 the plants, etc., on the mornings and afternoons of sunny days, 

 shutting the frame up at a rather high temperature after the after- 

 noon's syringing, but some air should be left in for the night. Aim 

 at obtaining dwarf healthy growth, and regulate the treatment 

 accordingly. If the pots are full of roots, give a moderate shift at 

 once, as it is advisable to have the plants well established before the 

 end of the growing season, and tbey should be prepared for winter 

 by full exposure to the sun's rays, and a free circulation of air after 

 the end of August. It will also be advisable to remove them to an 

 airy part of tbe greenhouse by the middle of September, and to water 

 them rather sparingly after that time. During winter give no more 

 water to the soil tban is necessary to prevent its becoming very dry, 

 but when water is applied give enough to moisten the whole ball, 

 and give no more until absolutely necessary again, allowing the 

 plants to occupy a place near the glass free from currents of cold, 

 damp air. About the middle of March they may be encouraged to 

 start into growth by increasing tbe temperature to 55° or 60° by day, 

 witb sunshine and air, and 50° at night, and giving water more freely 

 as they exhibit symptoms of growth. It will be necessary, however, 

 to cut back last season's shoots, and this should be done as soon as 

 any increase of temperature is given. Tbe shoots must be cut back 

 to within a lew inches of tbe crown, otherwise it will be impossible 

 to obtain compact bushy specimens. Give a moderate shift as soon 

 as the plants start into growth after being cut back, but only to 

 such as require it. If aphides make their appearance, which will 

 very probably be the case with plants excited into growth early in 

 tbe season, fumigate with tobacco-smoke at once. Keep the atmo- 

 sphere in a healthy, moist state, and draw the syringe lightly over 

 tbe plcnts on the mornings of fine days, especially when you are 

 inducing them to start into growth. The same treatment may be 

 continued during the spring, giving air and water more freely after 

 the plants are in full growth, but avoiding cold currents. 



In May, or early in June, the specimens may be removed to a cold 

 pit or frame, or a quiet corner near the glass in the greenhouse will 

 suit them. A second shift may be required by vigorous plants, and 

 if so, this should be given as soon as it may be necessary, in order to 

 get the pots well filled with roots previous to winter ; and healthy 

 plants not over-potted, will be benefited by an occasional supply of 

 clear, weak manure-water during the growing season. 



The autumn and winter treatment, already recommended, will be 

 proper again, and if the specimens are not considered large enough 

 for flowering, they must be cut back in spring, and permitted to 

 have another season's growth. Flowering plants should be allowed 

 to remain in tbe greenhouse until their blossoms expand, and they 

 should be fully exposed to light to colour the flowers ; they may then 

 be removed to the conservatory, or wherever their presence will 

 be most agreeable. After flowering, the shoots should be well 

 Bhortened, weakly ones cut out, and the plants placed in a situation 



